When Arun Chandu received a call from a radio jockey at an FM radio station asking about his feelings, he found himself flabbergasted. He recalls, “I did not know what the question was about. As I was being recorded, I asked what it was about. I had no clue that Gaganachari had won the Special Award for Outstanding Brilliance in any aspect of Cinematic Art.” The call marked a moment of immense excitement for Chandu, who serves as the co-writer and director of the film. The 54th Kerala State Film Awards were officially announced on August 16.
For the writer-director, the award was an astonishing surprise. He openly admits that he had never anticipated that his film would attract the attention of what he imagined to be an ‘old school’ jury. “It was prejudice on my part to assume that a film of an offbeat sensibility would not stand a chance at the State Awards. An award was never on my radar. I did not expect it to even be on the spectrum for an award!” Chandu admits.
Gaganachari is a sci-fi mockumentary set in the post-apocalyptic future of 2040. The storyline explores a world besieged by an amalgamation of threats including alien invasions, climate change, and extreme political ideology. The film features notable actors such as Ganesh Kumar, Aju Varghese, Anarkali Marikar, and Gokul Suresh in the lead roles, who collectively bring this unique narrative to life.
The movie’s commercial success was equally surprising for the producers, providing an unexpected ray of hope. Chandu emphasizes, “This acknowledgement has opened the door of opportunity for many youngsters who want to make films on offbeat topics and expect commercial success as well.” Reflecting on the myriad of difficulties and skepticism faced during the film’s release, he says, “This is closure to the struggle on a beautiful note! And it once again proves the oft-repeated filmmaker’s cliché dialogue — the audience is the hero.”
The recognition of Gaganachari at the Kerala State Film Awards marks a significant milestone for the Malayalam film industry.
. It underscores a growing acceptance and appreciation for innovative storytelling and non-traditional narratives. This evolution in perspective among audiences and juries alike signals a promising future for filmmakers daring to break away from conventional themes.
The genre of sci-fi has always had a challenging relationship with mainstream cinema, particularly in regional film industries. The success of Gaganachari breaks new ground, potentially signaling a shift in the type of stories that regional cinema audiences are willing to engage with. The film’s narrative, which intertwines elements of science fiction and social commentary, provides a rich tapestry that encourages viewers to reflect on contemporary issues through a futuristic lens.
The impact of Gaganachari’s success extends beyond its immediate team. It serves as an encouraging precedent for young and aspiring filmmakers who have unconventional ideas. Chandu’s experience illustrates that passion-driven projects, even those with offbeat sensibilities, can gain both critical acclaim and audience approval. This paradigm shift can fundamentally alter the creative landscape, pushing the boundaries of what regional cinema can achieve.
Additionally, the presence of an ensemble cast with notable performances by Ganesh Kumar, Aju Varghese, Anarkali Marikar, and Gokul Suresh, underscores the film’s strong acting credentials. Each actor brought depth and nuance to their roles, contributing to the overall impact and success of the film. Their performances provided the solid foundation upon which the film’s narrative flourished.
In retrospect, the journey of Gaganachari serves as an inspiring testament to the potential of regional cinema to venture into uncharted territories. The resounding success at the Kerala State Film Awards not only validates the film’s artistic brilliance but also paves the way for more experimental and bold storytelling in the future. Chandu and his team have set a new benchmark, not just for Malayalam cinema but for the broader landscape of Indian films.
The acknowledgment from the Kerala State Film Awards acts as a momentous validation of Chandu’s vision. It extends a beacon of hope to all filmmakers aspiring to venture beyond the ordinary, those who wish to explore and present stories from diverse spectrums. Gaganachari’s triumph is a testament to the power of innovative cinema and the ever-evolving tastes of its audience.
